Youth Empowerment through Local Entrepreneurship: Connecting Tradition and Contemporary Economic Methods

Abstract

Objective: With an emphasis on how traditional values and contemporary economic practices might be combined to create sustainable opportunities, this study investigates the role of local entrepreneurship in empowering youth in rural Indonesian communities. Theoretical framework: Based on social capital theory, the study highlights the role that networks, trust, and common values have in empowering communities. The fundamental theoretical framework is the fusion of contemporary entrepreneurship techniques with indigenous knowledge. Literature review: According to earlier research, empowering young people through entrepreneurship is essential to reducing economic inequality. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how contemporary business practices and local knowledge might work together to promote sustainable economic success. Methods: Case studies, focus groups with young people in rural locations, and interviews with local business owners were all part of the qualitative methodology. The communities in Central Java, Indonesia, where customs like gotong royong (cooperation) are common, provided the data. Results: Youth empowerment has greatly increased when local entrepreneurial activities, such as small-scale craft and agricultural enterprises, are combined with contemporary market methods. Economic sustainability has resulted from cooperative businesses made possible by traditional traditions like shared resources and mutual collaboration. Implications: According to the study, a supportive atmosphere for young entrepreneurs can be created by fusing Islamic values with local knowledge. The necessity for inclusive economic policies that uphold cultural values and encourage entrepreneurship is emphasized by policy suggestions. Novelty: This study offers insights into culturally sustainable business practices and a novel framework for fusing traditional customs with contemporary entrepreneurship to empower Indonesian youth.